In short: Useful training runIn full: A very useful Spring Marathon training run, especially with the four lap format. Mostly around the back roads of Ruislip, never steep but rarely flat, well-organised and excellently marshalled. Two drink stations per lap, only water but plenty of willing hands to give it out and sponges at one, good for a hot day. But there is way too much traffic on a narrow road for about quarter of the course, which I found very off-putting. It felt dangerous at worst and unpleasant at best. A marshall was hit - by a car? driver? and ambulanced away and wing mirrors were constantly almost grazing one's hip. For this reason I would be doubtful about doing it again, preferring Hyde Park (more expensive, traffic free) or Gade Valley (more hilly, very quiet roads)Date of review: March 14, 2014

In short: Excellent pre-VMLM trainingIn full: I entered this as one of my 20 mile training runs, pre-London. There's a lot to like: good organisation, friendly marshals and 4 laps helps you in later miles. But there's also some not to like: the drivers on the unpavemented roads are unfriendly, I nearly got knocked over by a d******d driver who ignored a marshal's instruction, and it's a very fast field, which might be disheartening to those of a slower persuasion.

I brought my own water, so I didn't need to be squeamish about water being served out of black bins. Eek.Date of review: March 13, 2014

In short: Great training race for Spring MarathonIn full: A simple concept, 4 x 5 mile laps, which means that if it is treated as a training race (which most runners were) you could compare laps, run each one as a progression run (sadly, I ran too fast so last one was not the fastest, but that was my mistake) and hopefully finish strong. It was a very hot day, so 2 water stations on the laps were welcome as this meant 7 water stops. A good touch was the water sponge at miles 5/10/15 which was definitely needed given the heat. It's a mildly undulating course, which should meet most runners' marathon training. The fast runners were amazing, I was first lapped in lap 2, but that didn't detract from my own efforts. I was pleasantly surprised by words of encouragement from the faster runners, particularly those who were on their final lap whilst I was running lap 3. A special mention to the marshals, who were mainly from Hillingdon AC, but bolstered by enthusiastic cadets. The technical t-shirt was a great fit (you pre-ordered the size on entry) and given out according to race number, very efficient. In addition to enthusiastic marshals, there was support on route by locals and supporters of other runners. All in all, an excellent pre-spring marathon training race. Thank you HAC.Date of review: March 10, 2014

In short: Perfect London Marathon Build Up RaceIn full: Thank-you Hillingdon for putting on this brilliant race once again. The organisation and marshalling is excellent and the race is perfectly timed 5 weeks before VLM. The 4xlap course is great for pacing and the familiarity of the course after the first lap helps you get comfortable and into a rhythm. Good mix of running abilities means there is always people to race with/against! Loved the technical t-shirt this year.Date of review: March 10, 2014

In short: Great race, as always.In full: This is generally part of my pre-London build-up and I think I enjoy it more than the marathon. It can't be easy staging a race for 700 on roads, which are getting steadily busier, and Hillingdon AC do it very well. There are 2 water stations per 5 mile lap, which is perfect. There is about half a mile per lap on a fairly busy country lane, but the rest is on pavements and fairly traffic-free roads. Marshal support is great. So much better than doing a long boring run on your own!Date of review: March 9, 2014

In full: Have now run this race on four occasions. I like the 4x5 mile format, as one can develop a good rhythm. There is a good standard of club runners taking part, but this, to me, does not seem to alienate the less fleet of foot, as the encouragement from marshalls and helpers is very genuine. Upon returning to the clubhouse, hot showers were available; cakes, tea and coffee. With all these amenities, the appalling weather was soon forgotten. Well done Hillingdon AC. Date of review: March 25, 2013

In short: Excellent pre-marathon raceIn full: Very well-organised 4x5mile lap race. Plenty of water-stations and supportive marshals; some very fast runners at the front but plenty of mere mortals further back. In the middle you can lap and be lapped, which stops it getting dull in the latter stages. Thank you Hillingdon AC. Date of review: March 25, 2013

In short: Interesting route (*4 laps) with excellent marshalsIn full: It really was a wet morning which made the marshal's job all the harder and I was so appreciative of their efforts - they really made the race.

Despite the undulating nature of the course it was still pretty fast. I enjoyed this race very much and would definitely do it again.

I was running 7:50 min miles and was expecting to get lapped at some point but not on the 2nd lap - v impressive running by the leading pair.....Date of review: March 21, 2013

In short: Well organised, good 20 miler marathon prepIn full: Well organised, and very enthusiastically marshalled in poor weather. Reasonably quick, rolling/undulating course around roads and pavements. The four lap format is useful for trying out different marathon pace strategies. Nice to see a practical goodie bag with chocolate and sugary drinks in! Would definitely consider this again as pre-marathon tune-up.Date of review: March 21, 2013